Spear Creek: Heat, Hills and Big Flinders Skies
Spear Creek gave us the best of the Flinders…wide skies, quiet trails, and the kind of stark beauty that feels all the more intense when the mercury hits 42 degrees. Tucked into the western slopes of the southern ranges, this working sheep station offered a peaceful stay with hiking tracks that led straight from camp into the hills.
Because of the heat, we laced up and explored at first light. The walking tracks wound through dry creek beds and past dramatic rockslide damage, where huge slabs of stone had sheared off the hillsides. One section of creek was home to stromatolites — layered rock formations built by ancient microbes and some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth. They might not look like much at first glance, but their story is wild.
Evenings were all about cooling down. As the sun dropped, we ditched our boots, found some shade, and watched the Flinders change colour with the fading light. The heat lingered, but the breeze picked up just enough to make sitting outside bearable — and the sunsets were well worth it.
Spear Creek was rugged, remote, and hot as hell… but that just made it more memorable. If you;re passing through the Flinders, make sure you add Spear Creek Holiday Park to your list of stops!
Want more slow-travel stories from the road?
We send out the occasional update — new posts, new guides, and the odd behind-the-scenes mishap. Sign up to our Travel Dispatch.
Spear Creek
Spear Creek is a family-owned working sheep station and campground on the western side of the Southern Flinders Ranges. With access to walking trails, big views and quiet bush surrounds, it’s a favourite for travellers who prefer rugged landscapes over resort-style parks.
How to Get There
Spear Creek sits just south of Port Augusta, with sealed-road access directly to the station turn-off. It’s an easy detour for anyone travelling between Port Augusta, Wilmington and Quorn.
What to See / Tours / Activities
What we did:
Walked the bush tracks straight from camp into the foothills of the Flinders.
Explored dry creek beds filled with ancient rock formations, including stromatolites.
Watched sunset colours roll across the ranges from camp. Pure magic after a scorching day.
Other highlights nearby:
Alligator Gorge (Mount Remarkable NP): One of SA’s best short gorge walks with towering red rock walls.
Pichi Richi Railway (Quorn): Heritage train journeys through the Pichi Richi Pass.
Wadlata Outback Centre (Port Augusta): A good stop to understand the region’s geology and early exploration.
Wilmington: Small-town base for surrounding nature walks and scenic drives.
Devil’s Peak: A challenging but rewarding sunrise hike near Quorn.
When to Visit
Autumn and winter are ideal, with cooler temperatures and clearer skies. Summer can be brutal with 40+ degree temperatures during the day.
Final Thoughts
Spear Creek isn’t polished or curated, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s raw, real and deeply connected to the surrounding ranges. A place where mornings start with birdsong, and evenings end with colour washing over the hills.
What’s Nearby
Port Augusta, Wilmington and Quorn are an easy drive away, with plenty of walks, viewpoints and history.
Heading north? The Outback opens wide. Heading south? Wine country isn’t far at all.
And if you enjoy these stories, you’ll love our Top Secret Travel Dispatch. A behind-the-scenes slice of life on the road.
Fast Facts
Location: Southern Flinders Ranges, SA
Distance: 23 km south of Port Augusta
Traditional Owners: Nukunu people
Access: Sealed to entrance, unsealed internal tracks
Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, amenities, camp kitchen, walking tracks
Walking Tracks: Several short-to-moderate options
Best Time to Visit: March–November
Dog Friendly: Yes, on lead
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Heat: Summer is no joke. Walk early, hydrate often.
Snakes: The Flinders is prime reptile habitat. Eyes down, shoes on.
Loose Rock: Steep slopes and unstable creek beds — take your time.
Other updates you may like…
With just one day in Adelaide, we crammed in all our favourites! Art, museums, botanic gardens and a market dash. North Terrace delivered its usual magic, reminding us why this city always feels good to return to.